At Billy Bootleggers you don't need to dress up, there's a pigeon on the loose (not a live one) and moonshine, but not the sort that'll make you go blind.
Nottingham's newest bar, opening tonight (October 4) is a dive in the best possible way - American-inspired with more than 60 bourbons, live music and the promise of movie nights.
The late-night hangout has rock and rolled its way into Weekday Cross in the former home of Filthy's, which most recently became Chemistry, a swish white and neon-lit venue which didn't last a year.
The Marbella-influenced whiteness has been blotted from our memories, replaced by exposed brick walls, peeling paint, a vintage US cigarette machine, and said pigeon on the top of pillar casing a beady eye on the crowd below.
Drinkers will find Jack Daniels, Knob Creek, and Johnny Drum amongst the many bottles behind the bar as well as pricier shots from the Buffalo Trace collection, which co-owner Elliot Towsey describes as "pretty serious stuff" at 62%.
Then there's Billy's own infusions of bourbons flavoured with apricot and ginger, fig, and cherry, picklebacks (whiskey with a pickle juice chaser) and ticklebacks - like a pickleback but with a shot of tequila.
Signature drink, Apple Pie Moonshine, is a cider-based cocktail made to a secret recipe giving off sweet apple and cinnamon vibes. Variations on the theme combine bourbon and moonshine - described as 'like a Jagerbomb but better' -and Moonshine Shandy with lager.
There's plenty for non-whiskey fans by way of American pale ale, Billy's Bootlager, wine, prosecco and classic cocktails such as Long Island Iced Tea and Violet Martini, while food is from the American-edge Hank menu, designed in conjunction with chef John Nellist.
"It's not necessary my genre of choice, I just like everything that goes with it. The people it attracts and the diversity of people," said Elliot, one of three co-owners who also have a Billy Bootlegger in Newcastle.
"The dive bar in America is equivalent to a pub here - a guy in a suit and a guy covered in cement talking over a pint."
Live music is going to be a big deal, with rock 'n' roll, rockabilly and bluegrass sounds several times a week, starting with The Memphis Cruisers at the VIP night.
Film buffs will be able to enjoy movies, starting with a screening of Home Alone in the run-up to Christmas, accompanied by two hours of bottomless prosecco and beer.
"We are not going to be the same as Filthy's but there will be a massive crossover of people who went there who will come here," added Elliot.
Upstairs, which used to be the Gypsy Lounge, will be re-opening in a few weeks as The Wildlife bar, decked out with "taxidermy and inflatable parrots," he added.
Billy Bootleggers will be open Monday to Friday from 4pm to 2.30am and Saturday and Sunday, noon till 2am although times may change.
